The city of Lienz stands in a flat valley surrounded by mountains in the south of Austria. The Isel and Drava, two tributaries of the Danube, meet in this basin, which is part of an ancient trading route through the Alps. Visitors who hire a car in Lienz can explore the area using the network of trunk roads and mountain passes that meet here. That means day-trips from Lienz can include Bolzano and Cortina in Italy, and in Austria the lakeside town of Spittal an der Drau to the east and the Hohe Tauern National Park to the north.
The medieval city of Lienz is easy to tour with a hire car. The highlights include the Kletterpark Schlossberg theme park, with rides and tree-top climbing adventures, and the Osttirodler Alpine Coaster, an extraordinary rollercoaster that hurtles right down the side of a mountain. It's perhaps more relaxing to visit Bruck Castle and the art and history museum inside, although the best bit for many is the view over the city rooftops from the ramparts. Elsewhere enjoy the cafes and shops of the old main square or the history of the Aguntum Roman ruins. In the winter, of course, there are plenty of ski areas to enjoy close to the city.
